Düsseldorf welcomes a new Klinzing commemorator:
The Karl-Klinzing plaque, the highest honor conferred by the Mostertpöttches guild, will be awarded to Father Wolfgang Sieffert this year. The Mostertpöttches, an organization of songwriters, jesters, and musical ensembles, recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to Düsseldorf and its vicinity. Although the Mostertpöttches are traditionally associated with carnival, recipients of the plaque do not necessarily need to be carnival aficionados.
Father Wolfgang Sieffert, a Dominican priest born in Flingern in 1957, is the 60th recipient. He studied theology and joined the Dominican order in 1978. For 29 years, he served as a prison chaplain in Ulm, founded the Old Town Soup Kitchen in 1992, and collaborates with the "Alliance for Affordable Housing" and the "Düsseldorf Alliance for a Just Society - Socially and Ecologically" speaker circle.
Father Wolfgang expressed his wish to discontinue the Old Town Soup Kitchen only if it is no longer necessary. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for the soup kitchen's services has risen significantly, with an average of approximately 200 people dining daily, as opposed to 90 before the pandemic.
The Mostertpöttches are honoring Father Wolfgang for his social commitment and his initiatives to unite various interests, organizations, and people to enhance the livability of Düsseldorf.
Hildegard Dahmen, the Mostertpöttches' leader, expressed her satisfaction with Father Wolfgang's acceptance of the award. She explained that he was the unanimous choice among their members for the 2023 plaque recipient. Father Wolfgang initially hesitated due to concerns about the responsibilities that come with the honor, but no additional commitments are associated with the plaque.
The official presentation of the Karl-Klinzing plaque will occur on November 13 at the Theater an der Kö. The event will include a laudation by the previous year's plaque recipient, Josef Hinkel, and an exclusive, humorous one-hour theater performance about Father Wolfgang. According to Dahmen, ideas for the performance are already in motion, as there is ample material to work with regarding Father Wolfgang Sieffert.
Science has always been a significant part of Father Wolfgang Sieffert's life, as he collaborates with organizations like the "Alliance for Affordable Housing" and the "Düsseldorf Alliance for a Just Society - Socially and Ecologically" speaker circle, focusing on improving health-and-wellness in his community. The Mostertpöttches, acknowledging his social initiatives andcombined interests, are honoring him with their prestigious Karl-Klinzing plaque this year.
